Dilijan Central School: The educational path of two friends

It was 2013. Dilijan, nestled among forests, mountains and mist, lived a quiet daily life until a new school opened, reshaping both education and the community. In collaboration with the Central Bank of Armenia, the Ayb Educational Foundation opened Dilijan Central School.

Starting from September this year, the high school component has also been operating at Dilijan Central School. Here, students will have the chance to study the Araratian Baccalaureate program, gaining access to internationally competitive education right in their hometown.

Vahagn and Harutyun started their school journey at Dilijan Central School before moving on to Ayb High School in Yerevan. The eleven-year educational journey became not only a pursuit of knowledge but also a story of strengthening friendship.

Vahagn: "I’ll carry a part of Ayb with me to the Sorbonne"

Vahagn Aloyan moved from Yerevan to Dilijan because of his parents' work. His first steps into Dilijan Central School were unforgettable. In the admissions interview, his future homeroom teacher talked about planets, a topic that had captivated Vahagn since childhood.

Over the years, his interest in physics grew into a professional ambition. Now an alumnus, Vahagn intends to pursue his studies at the Sorbonne, aiming to specialize in astrophysics.

"I am thrilled that five or six Ayb students will continue their studies with me at the Sorbonne. I can say that I will also carry a part of Ayb with me to the Sorbonne," Vahagn says.

His story isn’t just about science. He recalls national dance lessons, initially met with indifference but turned into a revelation through the guidance of his teacher, Mesrop. "At Ayb, I grasped the essence and depth of dance. It is not simply a form of entertainment. National culture can play a key role in shaping one's identity," Vahagn notes.

Harutyun: The journey of music and national values

Harutyun Kocharyan moved to Dilijan Central School in the second grade. "There was a striking difference. Instead of using chalk on the board, we wrote with our fingers. In addition, the variety of courses and the teaching style were on a whole different level," Harutyun recalls.

From the fifth grade, music became an integral part of his life. "Music was more than a hobby. It was part of my identity. National dance, in a way, shaped one of the foundations of my national thinking," he says.

Harutyun currently lives in Yerevan. Yet, he believes the opening of a high school in Dilijan will greatly encourage children to spend their best years in their hometown and build a solid foundation for the future.

A friendship that has withstood the trials of time

Harutyun and Vahagn are not only classmates but also friends who have been together for eleven years. For them, Ayb became an environment where education went far beyond the textbooks. Lifelong connections were forged there.

Vahagn's new goals

According to Vahagn, most of his closest friends come from Ayb. "The reason seems obvious. We spend countless hours together each day, quickly becoming close friends. However, in reality, it's the Ayb community that brings us together," Vahagn says.

He believes the establishment of a high school in Dilijan is highly significant for both the town and its children. At Ayb, Vahagn places special emphasis on multifaceted development. "At school you gain knowledge in various subjects. Even subjects that initially seem uninteresting can become enjoyable and easy to understand. That's when you realize how important it is for an educated person to be well-rounded," Vahagn notes.

Harutyun: About the future of Dilijan

Harutyun is confident that Dilijan Central School's high school component will significantly impact  the students. "Here, students cultivate not only knowledge but also national ideas, patriotism, and care for their homeland," he mentions.

He believes that education is one of the pillars of national and urban development. "Armenia simply needs well-educated professionals to drive the country’s progress," Harutyun says.

He also emphasizes the importance of opening up such educational opportunities not only in Dilijan but across other Armenian cities and towns as well. "The establishment of a high school in Dilijan is a crucial step. It will enable children to remain in their hometown for a long time and contribute their potential locally. This will provide a significant boost to the town’s development," he says.